Chad Varah facts for kids
Edward Chad Varah (born November 12, 1911 – died November 8, 2007) was an English priest and social activist. He is most famous for starting the Samaritans in 1953. This was the world's first ever crisis hotline, offering a listening ear to people in distress.
Quick facts for kids Chad Varah |
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| Born | 12 November 1911 in Barton-upon-Humber, Lincolnshire, England |
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| Died | 8 November 2007 (aged 95) in Basingstoke, Hampshire, England |
| Education | Worksop College Keble College, Oxford Lincoln Theological College |
| Ordained | 1935 (deacon) 1936 (priest) |
| Spouse |
Susan Whanslaw
(m. 1940–1993) |
| Children | 5 (including Michael Varah) |
Contents
Early Life and Education
Chad Varah was born in Barton-upon-Humber, England. He was the oldest of nine children. His father was a priest at St Peter's church. Chad was named after St Chad, an important saint.
He went to Worksop College for his schooling. Later, he earned a scholarship to study science at Keble College, Oxford. He soon changed his studies to a mix of philosophy, politics, and economics. He graduated from Oxford in 1933.
Becoming a Priest
Chad Varah wasn't sure if he wanted to become a priest like his father. But his godfather convinced him to study at Lincoln Theological College. There, he was taught by Michael Ramsey, who later became a very important leader in the Church of England.
Varah became a deacon in the Church of England in 1935. He became a full priest in 1936. He worked in several churches across England. In 1953, he became the rector of St Stephen Walbrook church in London. This church was designed by the famous architect Christopher Wren.
He believed in allowing women to become priests. He also liked the traditional 17th-century prayer book. He retired from his church duties in 2003, at the age of 92. At that time, he was the oldest working priest in the Church of England.
Founding the Samaritans
Chad Varah started the Samaritans in 1953. He set up the first phone line in the basement of his church. The first call came in on November 2, 1953. More and more calls came in after a newspaper article about the service.
He was the leader of the main Samaritans branch in London until 1974. He then became president of the organization. He also helped start Befrienders Worldwide, which is the international version of Samaritans.
Changes to the Samaritans
Later in his life, Chad Varah felt that the Samaritans organization had changed too much. He thought it was no longer just for people in extreme crisis. However, he later met with the new leaders of the Samaritans. He was happy to hear about the new ways they were helping people. His eldest son, Michael Varah, even joined the board of trustees in 2006.
Other Work and Interests
Chad Varah also helped start the famous British comic book The Eagle in 1950. He wrote scripts for The Eagle and other comics like Girl and Robin. He used his science knowledge to be a consultant for the Dan Dare comic strip.
He was very interested in sex education. He also supported the Terrence Higgins Trust, which helps people with HIV/AIDS. He wrote a TV play about the Samaritans in 1972. In 1992, he published his autobiography, called Before I Die Again. This title showed his interest in reincarnation.
Awards and Recognition
Chad Varah received many awards for his work. He was given the Albert Schweitzer Gold Medal in 1972. He also became an honorary member of Keble College in 1981. He received several honorary doctorates.
He was honored by the British government multiple times. He was made an OBE in 1969 and a CBE in 1995. In 2000, he became a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour.
In 2012, three trains in Britain were named Chad Varah to honor him.
Personal Life
Chad Varah married Susan Whanslaw in 1940. They had five children, including triplets. His wife later became the World President of the Mothers' Union. She passed away in 1993. Chad Varah died in a hospital in Basingstoke in 2007, just before his 96th birthday. Four of his children survived him.
Writings
- Before I Die Again: The Autobiography of the Founder of Samaritans. (London: Constable, 1992).
- The Samaritans in the '80s. (London: Constable, 1980).
